The Fire Safety Order
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a central part of the fire-safety framework for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. These pages focus on England. Separate legislation and guidance apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Start with the premises' fire risk assessment and resulting fire safety arrangements. A displayed diagram helps communicate them. It is not a certificate that the building, escape routes or equipment comply with the law.
Recording duties changed in October 2023
Home Office guidance explains that, from 1 October 2023, all Responsible Persons covered by the Fire Safety Order must record their fire risk assessment in full and record their fire safety arrangements. Previous limitations, including the five-employee threshold for recording, were removed.
If somebody is engaged to undertake or review the assessment, their identity must also be recorded. Older articles that say only businesses with five or more employees need a written record should not be used as a current summary of these duties.
Standards and claims of compliance
Technical standards and sector guidance can help with design and assessment, but using a particular template or symbol set does not automatically demonstrate compliance. Check a claimed standard against its current edition, actual scope and the requirements applicable to the premises.
Avoid unsupported labels such as 'legally approved', 'certified compliant' or 'fire service approved'. A drawing reference, revision date and record of who checked the information are more useful than a badge that cannot be substantiated.
Know what the service provides
Fire Escape Plans provides tools for presenting layouts and fire-safety information. A site visit to record locations is not, by itself, a fire risk assessment or fire-engineering design service. Agree the scope of commissioned work and arrange competent advice where assessment or design decisions are required.
This is general information, not legal advice. Official sources were checked on 24 October 2026. Legislation, guidance and building circumstances can change; consult current official sources and obtain premises-specific advice when needed.
Official sources & further reading
- Home Office: Fire safety responsibilities under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022
- GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace
- Home Office: Sleeping accommodation guidance, including explanation of standards
Source-linked general guidance, not legal advice. Check current official guidance and obtain premises-specific advice where needed.